Searching for a job can be very stressful. Maybe you were let go from a previous position and only have so much savings to cover your expenses for now. Perhaps you were in a position leading nowhere and wanted to get out. Maybe you saw the writing on the wall and wanted to switch to a career with greater longevity in 2023.
Whatever your reason for searching for a new career, this process can be hard to control. You never know how long it may take to secure that next position, and it may not be all you hope for. Additionally, the business landscape is constantly shifting, so what an employer wanted to see ten years ago could be completely different now.
If you are seeking a new career in the state of New Jersey, and you want to avoid a lengthy process, then here are a few tips to follow for a smoother job hunt that will have a greater chance of ending soon.
One of the most significant skill sets in any workplace is adaptability. While you may apply for a specific position with finite responsibilities in the description, the reality of many jobs is that things can change quickly. Employers often want to see candidates that demonstrate the ability to adjust and adapt on the fly in a fast-paced business environment. Not everyone is designed to thrive in this type of atmosphere.
One way to prove that you are adaptable to employers is by acquiring new skills. Though you may already be qualified for a position based on education or professional background, learning new skills can make you more effective and versatile as a worker. Online sites like Skillshare and Udemy are perfect for accessing tons of courses to learn new skills that make you a more appealing candidate.
LinkedIn is the largest professional social media platform in the world. Its primary purpose is to connect professionals and businesses, which makes it stand above other social platforms in terms of job-hunting.
LinkedIn has numbers to prove its success as a business social network. Currently, there are about 810 million users. The average company receives 46% of its social media traffic via LinkedIn. In 2018, 77% of hires originated from the platform. This represents a massive percentage of many industries, so finding a job quickly might necessitate that you become active on this platform.
The popularity of online job boards like Indeed have made it even easier for job-seekers to find what they are looking for. The various filters simplify the process and narrow your search field so you only see relevant positions in New Jersey if needed. There are other options as well for more specialized job boards. For example, some platforms are ideal for medical professionals seeking primary care physician jobs.
Many of these sites allow you to set up alerts and notifications when relevant positions open up, ensuring that you can be one of the first applicants.
One of the most basic steps you can take to improve your prospects as a job-seeker is to update your resume. A clean, professional resume gives you a better chance of being noticed by employers. If the resume has not been touched in years, then it may be outdated. Add any new skills and experiences that are now part of your professional history. If there are any significant professional accomplishments in the last few years, be sure to include them in the resume or at least the cover letter.
It is relatively simple to apply to open positions by answering some questions online and submitting a resume. However, it takes extra effort to land a job quickly in New Jersey. Following up is a practice you should commit to if you are interested in a certain position. It could be as simple as an email that says you wanted to confirm your application was received. This shows the employer that you are following the process and interested in the outcome rather than just blindly throwing applications at the wall and seeing what sticks.
When you need a job, the process of finding a position can quickly become stressful or frustrating. This is your main source of income, and going without for a few months can drain your savings. You might need to treat job-hunting like a job in and of itself. Dedicate a few hours each day to looking for positions, writing cover letters, and following up with exciting employers. Eliminate distractions during this time so the process has your full attention. When you aren’t applying, consider using that time to build up your network or learn new skills online.
Treating the search like a job can create a more focused approach that will yield better applications and better responses from New Jersey employers.